This Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It combines ground meat with a sweet and zesty sauce, making it juicy and full of flavor.
This meatloaf is a hit at my house! I love serving it with rice and veggies—it’s like a cozy hug on a plate. And let’s be real, who can resist that delicious topping? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The main protein in this recipe. You can blend beef with pork for more flavor. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken works well too.
Breadcrumbs: Use regular or panko breadcrumbs for a nice texture. If you need a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or oats can also work.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds depth and spice. If you can’t find it, a mix of red pepper flakes and a bit of miso can mimic the flavor, though it won’t be exactly the same.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor booster, but low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: It balances out the heat nicely. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup, depending on your preference.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Meatloaf Texture?
Getting the right texture for your meatloaf is crucial for a delicious outcome. Start by mixing the meat with the other ingredients gently. Overmixing can make it tough.
- Combine the meat with breadcrumbs and veggies first.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients, then add that mixture to the meat.
- Mix until just combined. A bit of fat from the meat and egg will help keep the meatloaf moist.
How to Make Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds
- Additional chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-55 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. So, overall, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy this sweet and spicy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you can line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and the egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix them together until everything is evenly combined. Don’t overmix, though—just until mixed!
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, ketchup, grated ginger, and black pepper. This will be your tasty flavor booster that brings everything together.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now, pour the sauce mixture into the meat mixture. Again, mix gently until just combined. It’s important to be careful here to keep your meatloaf tender!
5. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the combined meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Shape it into a loaf shape, smoothing the top and sides as much as you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just make it look tasty!
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-55 minutes. To know when it’s ready, use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
7. Add a Glaze:
For an extra burst of flavor, brush some additional gochujang mixed with a bit of honey on top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking. This gives it a nice glaze!
8. Rest and Slice:
Once the meatloaf is cooked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions on top. This not only makes it look attractive but adds more flavor! Slice it up and enjoy your sweet and spicy Korean BBQ meatloaf!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great leaner substitute. Just keep in mind that these meats can be drier than beef, so you may want to add a bit more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of soy sauce, to keep the meatloaf juicy.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
No problem! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your soy sauce is also gluten-free, as many brands contain wheat.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Shredded carrots or finely chopped bell peppers can add extra flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust the amount of breadcrumbs slightly to maintain the right texture. About 1/4 cup of finely grated or chopped veggies would be a nice addition!
